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🌱 Patch AM: Are Helena storefronts really safe for neighbors using canes and wheelchairs?

You won't want to miss Live Music @ Safeway Helena — Dan Henry on the Helena Patch calendar

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Greetings Helena! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Are Helena storefronts really safe for neighbors using canes and wheelchairs?
  • Which Helena neighborhoods saw police calls spike on Dec. 12?
  • How Helena’s taxpayers just heard Montana’s population boom is fading

Also on today's calendar: Healing with Horses for Women Veterans and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Helenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Helenafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 44 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Monday: Cloudy and mild, temps: high: 52, low: 44.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, with a high of 52 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Snowy storefront sidewalks cause accessibility issues for older people, those with disabilities (ktvh.com) — If you live or run a business in Helena, city rules require downtown sidewalks to be cleared quickly after snow so older residents and people with disabilities can safely get around. Advocates and senior-living staff say uncleared sidewalks, curb ramps, and parking lots can trap people at home or lead to dangerous falls, and they’re urging businesses to think like cane or wheelchair users when shoveling.
   

2. Stolen vehicle, thefts and fraud: Here are Helena police incidents from Dec. 12 (helenair.com) — Helena police handled 85 calls for service on Dec. 12, including a stolen vehicle arrest near Neill and Fuller and several cases still under investigation for theft and fraud. Officers also made multiple warrant arrests and conducted numerous welfare checks, traffic stops, and responses to crashes and disturbances across the city.
   

3. After a mid-pandemic boom, Montana's population growth continues to slow in 2025 (bozemandailychronicle.com) — A new analysis presented at a taxpayers’ meeting in Helena shows Montana’s population growth slowing sharply in 2025, to its lowest rate in nearly 25 years. The economist behind the report links the trend to high living costs and notes that more modest growth could ease pressure on housing markets that surged during the pandemic boom.
   

4. Montana continues to see high number of poaching cases (ktvh.com) — Helena-based state wildlife officials say poaching cases have roughly doubled in Montana over the past 20 years, costing an estimated $1.4 billion nationwide in lost wildlife and fines. Game wardens report frequent violations like road shooting, waste, and hunting without licenses, and they’re urging residents to call the 1-800-TIP-MONT hotline with any suspicious activity.
   

5. Montana Public Service Commission opens state investigation into NorthWestern Energy's Colstrip deal (montanarightnow.com) — State regulators meeting in Helena have pulled out of a federal case and instead launched their own investigation into NorthWestern Energy’s proposed purchase of a Colstrip power plant share. The Montana Public Service Commission says a state review will better protect ratepayers, ensure transparency, and evaluate how the deal could affect long-term energy reliability for residents.
   

📸 Around Helena

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UH oh, My wife decided to take in a dog for the holidays.
    We already have three rescue dogs. She said it helps the staff to also get some relief during Holiday Christmas season. How about you? The Lewis … (Nextdoor North Helena)
  • Shout out to our UPS truck driver.
    We had a package that required a signature and he is not allowed to drive all the way to our house. He called and waited for us to meet him at the… (Nextdoor Canyon Ferry)
  • CBRE Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Lease Admin Supervisor (Eastern Region) in Helena. Apply here.
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Janitorial Custodian / Commercial Cleaner - $16/hr to start in Helena. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Helena here.

Ok Helena! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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